First Time Chaining Up the Rotator. Semi Rescued From Ice.

[@RonPratt]

Yes, I put the tire chains on incorrectly. I am aware. I am human and I make mistakes. This was NOT an instructional video on how to put on tire chains. The job was completed safely without injury or damage. Thanks for watching and God bless.

[@hollywoodredneck8565]

I would never criticize, but if I was there I would have corrected you, just being honest. But like you said everything's done safe and isn't that what really matters in the first place?? Great job

[@ebolawarrior451]

Did it work and get the job done. F the haters. 😉

[@RayleighCriterion]

When driving in reverse, you should keep your hand at the 6 o'clock position to prevent oversteering and over compensating.

[@ATGG]

@@RayleighCriterion You serious?

[@WoodCutr1]

@@RayleighCriterion Ron probably has more miles in reverse than you do going forward, he knows what hes doing

[@MrTwidget69]

Having a truck with a built in jack make chaining up easier. Stay safe out there

[@wb2vsj]

Yeah, that's cheating! 😁

[@jamesstepp9982]

I'd cheat like that if I could!!

[@roadwolf2]

Anyone feel privileged to see the heart of the beast that makes these vids possible

[@IndigenousAmericanTrucker]

I love how he protects his employees! This guy is just too professional...not a bad thing at all!

[@corycollier]

SOME would say using the outriggers to lift the truck up to chain it up is cheating. I say work smarter & safer, not harder ;) Nice recovery, Ron!

[@stuartd9741]

It is.. However of the facility is there Perk of the job!

[@HappilyHomicidalHooligan]

If Yah ain't Cheatin, Yah ain't trying hard enough! 😄😁😆😅😂🤣

[@mayanaztec6440]

I would say that only old timers who think everything should be done the tough way would say that.

[@paulineturcotte572]

Hello I am 88 young and I just love your tapes no movie can compare you are young and your dad showed you well I just love how you work you are so carefull now matter how much damage there is you are so careful with all your work my dad should love you

[@ljfinger]

I believe it's considered cheating when you can jack up your entire vehicle at the push of a button!

[@stuartd9741]

Well technically it is. However it would be a bit silly not to jack up the whole Rigg... just a bonus perk of the job being recovery.....!

[@cherrydowns7745]

LOL

[@tycemorgan5285]

@@stuartd9741 q

[@tycemorgan5285]

@@stuartd9741 1

[@frankmoreau8847]

I was impressed with the truck driver. He stopped before things got out of hand and he did exactly what he was told to do. Made the job so much easier.

[@timbowhite6674]

Good Morning My Good Bro Ron Pratt Sir & God Bless You & All Of You're Whole Family & All Of You're Whole Staff

[@bigfoot-wo3qy]

Grandpa always kept a set of chains for his pickup. Never used them except for the one nasty Halloween ice storm gramps dug them out and we proceeded to wander around town rescuing people pd and even 1 ambulance. The old 82 Scottsdale earned her 4x4 all wheels chained rolling around town at 20mph badge that day. Power was out in parts of town for over a week. Places had over 2 inches of solid ice.

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

Hello Ron! I feel so blessed in that I don’t have to deal with Mother Nature’s winter antics anymore since retiring in 2015 from 38 years of OTR cross country trucking! But, my heart DOES go out to all of you that still have to deal with it though. Stay safe, Be well, and, God bless! Waving as always from Houston, Texas! ~Jim~

[@rkeround2itindustries892]

I was always under the impression that the 'horseshoe' hooks faced out. This keeps the ends from cutting into the tires, and the chain tensioners would turn right to tighten (righty tighty, lefty loosey).

[@bobpurs]

Agree that’s what I was taught and thinking when he was putting them on. Either way good work Ron

[@KillinTime-jb4ft]

That’s correct. He put them on upside down.

[@josephlansberry737]

That was my understanding also and I put my first set of chains in the winter of 1947.

[@dons8122]

way i always done them

[@paulbigstanstanleyjr.1930]

your right.... I live and drive trucks in the PNW and chain up a lot ..... he put the chains on wrong

[@getzybreuer3691]

thank you so much for the video Mr Ron we are praying for your family God bless you please post two times a week video

[@messianichebrewshawnkawcak1550]

Chaining up is good practice. It helps to have a built in jack system to give you some room on the fenders, and so you can get the chains under the wheels.

[@russgier4409]

That's almost cheating, missing out on the struggle of 3-railers up on Donner laying in 3" of slush with ice cold water running downhill

[@jakemustian99]

Well he can always just lift the entire truck with the outriggers

[@johnhpalmer6098]

Very likely, they either don't get the rust that is often found elsewhere in the Midwest or NE, or they spray the trucks down after a storm like this to keep the salt damage at bay.

[@GMan-yv8cb]

@@johnhpalmer6098 From watching these videos, seeing the work ethic, and seeing the awesome condition of these million dollar machines, I think it's safe to assume these trucks are thoroughly washed regularly ALL YEAR ROUND!

[@fhuber7507]

All of the weather you've had to deal with and just opening the chains bags... This is a REALLY slick road.

[@nonaloeffler9078]

I love the new intro. thank you God bless. be safe out there.

[@burtoncummins8970]

Morning Mr Ron prayers and well wishes for all involved and prayers for your family and employees stay safe and have a bless day

[@JoeHupp]

Here’s a little token of my appreciation for all your amazing videos, Ron - keep it up!

[@cherrydowns7745]

Who cares if your chains were on wrong, you got the job done anyway! Priorities Ron, good job! Thanks for helping our precious Truckers.

[@henrycotton1554]

Good job Ron- first time to see chains used - I hope I never need any - in Louisiana we stay home when it ices up. Prayers for all !!!

[@robindowning5560]

Thank you so very much for this video. I know it might have been boring to those familiar with tire chains, but it is the video I requested and it answered very many of the questions I had. Midwest Trucking holds a special place in my heart and I pray God will bless you all.

[@13BGunBunny]

Every job has its own challenges and something new must be used on many of them. Stay safe and God bless.

[@mackboss2189]

Only one time did I have to chain up the big truck, and that was one time to many !! Good job, Ron.

[@robertmayer7678]

Ron, you never cease to amaze me with your equipment, but when you whipped out those ice cleats, wow!!!

[@vetterfellow]

Tater did great work again. Thanks, Bud, for showing us what happened.

[@MaryB-ps8lg]

Great job. I like the new intro better than the old one for a change.

[@rennisgarigin2052]

Hello from warm sunshine Oahu, Hawaii. Your winter makes me so glad I live in Hawaii. I was born and raised in Kansas, so I know what cold and icy roads can do to you. I got out of the Navy here in Hawaii back in 1981 and decided to stay, plus I'm a 100% disabled veteran, which the V.A. pays me well not to be able to work. God Bless you and all that you do. Sorry to hear that your dad passed away about a month or so ago.

[@jakobfisher76]

I like the new intro, everyone in the house knows what I'm watching when those sirens wail :)

[@roseannhellums3336]

Good Morning Ron Pratt and coworkers. Love the chain prints. Glad you are safe. I enjoyed your video. Until the next video. Stay safe. God bless You.

[@chuckmoore1380]

Okay, certainly not "first", but amazed at the number of your viewers that anxiously await these Friday morning videos. I certainly understand why: they are always informative and entertaining. Your process of assessing a situation and performing the recovery safely and efficiently, and your manner of dealing with the others you work with, are what make this channel great. Continue doing what you do so well, Ron. From your neighbor in Springfield, MO. Stay safe and healthy.

[@paulpeckham9947]

So much hard work and yet the actual tow was done in minutes. As always great job Ron, 👏 👍

[@RonPratt]

As with many things in this industry and with life....sometimes the prep work takes much longer than the "exciting" part, but without the proper prep work the "exciting" part may not happen at all or could be done unsafely. Thanks for watching and God bless.

[@paulpeckham9947]

@@RonPratt As you have said before "over kill is understated" Thanks so much for all of your hard work.

[@heatherkohlwey8379]

You have had more than your share of nasty weather. I have been praying for all of you to stay safe every time I saw bad weather your way. At least you had the chains for this one. Great job as always. Stay safe and God bless.

[@LGWinberg]

You just saved a Volvotruck. The best truck in the world!

[@RobbertvO]

You guys made it every time to a happy end. Winter, summer, night and day wind and rain. Big respect!

[@TheKira699]

Nothing like 'driving crunchy'. Chains on Ice ballet.

[@DeweyCheatumNHoweLLC]

I like the way those chains tension up. I used to have to chain up our tractor every winter. A real pain, since they always seemed to be tangled up.

[@johnstevens4769]

As always Ron a nice video with you and Eli, ice chains on and away you go, it was pretty icy there, glad it all went well, and a new situation for Eli to see the snow chains in action, Stay Safe And Well, as always blessing to you and you family and Co Workers. . From John In S. Wales🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 UK 🇬🇧

[@phillipneale6422]

First time I have seen chains fitted, thank you. Also those stud shoes made a hell of a difference. Great job Ron, stay safe 🇬🇧👌👌

[@arthurbiringer5676]

Another perfect recovery…. And no Pratt falls! Stay healthy,safe,and warm.

[@spender_cgb7372]

Thanks for this Ron. I live in a less snowy country (Ireland) and I have never seen chains put on tyres before. Very enlightening!!

[@davidcox6105]

Ron the boy has a awesome teacher and it is like he is feeding in on your knowledge he is going to make a great tow and recovery operator one day thanks to you plus you take care of him just like he is your son I bet his parents feel safe with him working in this business as long as he is with your company

[@royreynolds108]

I remember the storm of January 16, 1978, and having to drive from St. Louis to Baton Rouge. I also remember the storm just before Christmas in 1981 or 82 and driving from Flint to Shreveport. That storm was ice from Indianapolis to Shreveport. It took slightly over 2 days to get there.

[@jameswolfe7485]

I chained up once for a local trip when you could see the road surface through an inch of perfectly clear ice. The chains had a reinforcing lug welded across the links, and they left perfect engagement scars in the ice. Only I didn't have chains for the steer tires. So I went real SLOW. Tested the stopping ability - straight line stopping left parallel grooves from those lugs. I was the only vehicle on the roads! Wonder why . . . Got there and back. Only problem I had was when I got out of the truck and had to hang on to slide back to the wheels without falling! Ice is nasty stuff. Many years later, driving 18-wheelers, we HAD to have chains in many western states to meet the law but the boss's rule was, "If you have to chain up to drive, park it!" Good rule!

[@alandaters8547]

Another great job! I was glad to see you mention the ice cleats several times. They are very useful for wet ice situations and can easily prevent a fall. In the winter I usually have 2 sets in the car and one in the house. They are like chains for your shoes/boots! I was surprised at how much work it was to put on the chains, even with the wheels off the ground, but you sure did need them.

[@EdD-ym6le]

WOOO Another Victory for the hard working Hero's that are the life Blood of our Great Nation ! Great way to start a day .

[@keithhartshorn5719]

Your professionalism in the job you do is amazing. 22 years in the military and I only had to put chains on my truck one time and it was not a fun task.

[@roberthouseholder1902]

When you're hanging iron, three-railers are always a beast! Don't do as much as I used to in past years, and I don't miss it! Kudos to you and don't let anybody give you any grief about the "grunt work"!

[@stuartd9741]

The grunt work will keep Ron fit and healthy into old age. My grandfather rode a bi-cycle into his 80s. Always had done was a Gardener.

[@BrucePerkins-mc3hp]

Like this one

[@johndoran3274]

I always chuckle when a southern guy puts chains on a truck. It’s a good thing when you don’t have to do it too much. Sadly, there are years when I wear 2 pair out in one season.

[@maudwelford1843]

As professional as always 🤩🤩🤩🥰🥰🥰🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧God bless 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jonhaugstad8339]

Retired 4 years ago dont miss chaining at all.

[@Easterwood67]

That rotator is a freaking beast!

[@wyldbladze]

Having built in jacks that will pick the whole truck up helps that process greatly. Putting those chains on went really smooth.

[@antman3525]

Lots of prep for a little tow in the ice. Patience is necessary. Keep up the good work and Stay Safe.

[@Hawgfrog]

You have the patience of a saint. I don't know how you do it.

[@elliottscarborough2528]

Love how you look after your crew / team .

[@Chaplain_GM]

There is always a first time for everything brother tator needing cleats chains means that was one slick hill be safe and God Bless you

[@stephencaine1548]

Ron, I sure hope you’re encouraging this kid. He’s really listening and following your lead better than some of your seasoned employees. Remember: sugar, not vinegar.

[@GhostDrummer]

I remember going out on a road call when I worked at a Kenworth shop. It was in December and it took me a bit to get to the truck due to the roads. Once I had the repair done, the driver was supposed to follow me to the scales about 2 miles up the road where we would call his wife to settle the bill. He decided he didn’t want to pay, so he just kept driving. Hwy Patrol stopped him and he was arrested for failure to pay for services and for passing a scale house that was currently stopping all tractor trailers. His wife refused to pay the bill when hwy patrol called her so the truck and trailer were impounded until they paid for the repair and the ticket for not stopping at the scales. I left the shop three months later and they still hadn’t paid. Crazy stuff goes on out on the roads. Stay safe Ron and crew.

[@byranricman3718]

Hello Mr Pratt and family. I enjoy your videos you ask prayers while wishes and all that I do pray for those who are involved in that accidents also pray for your safety and your crew safety when they're out there on the road I know people are rude no need to drive by tow truck drivers it was one killed here in Florida just a couple days ago. I know how dangerous tow truck drivers jobs are they also see how professional you are and all the jobs you take care of thank you for what you do and how you take care of things. May God continue to bless you and your families and your cruise families as well stay safe as always.❤🙏🇺🇸

[@chrisread6103]

Now that was some very icy conditions out there. Wow. Glad it all worked out. Good job.

[@barbsteward5166]

Ron, you are the best backer upper!!

[@samrugtiv3839]

Real good job men.always remember what the lord can't do just can't be done. Sam

[@slvalleyboy]

Watching you chain up reminded me why I hated putting chains on even though I only did small vehicles. As quickly as you did those, my hands would have been useless from the cold.

[@stuartd9741]

If you know you need the chains beforehand - like bad weather. Place them inside the cab to warm them up....if there's room.. True you'll only get a few minutes with them in the cold at least it would help with the hands....

[@RobertBrown-wm9ob]

Once you've done it enough times you developer system Andy goes fairly easy. Taking them off can be a real problem if they break and get tangled all together it becomes a ball of ice and chains.

[@agentcrm]

Being able to lift the truck up certainly made chaining up easer. Keep safe out there, hopefully you're done with the snow for a while.

[@andreamaestas6129]

You are a very patient and cool instructor to your staff

[@anitawilhelm5517]

Hi there . Sorry to see her freedom pulled in. I woke up with the roofs white. Thanks for giving us à good time . Love it . Have a good week-end .

[@anthonystike6034]

Interesting, watching you chain the Rotator up. Good recovery.

[@feliciascott6874]

I'm no expert on tire chaining but I have seen enough videos to know that you have to practice regularly with these chains if you want to get it done quickly and efficiently. You can lift the rotator's wheel up with your hydraulics, try it without lifting the wheels! This was a really good working experience for Eli. Your chains were still in the original bags, now you will need to hang them up somewhere in the rotator. Big rigs often hang them outside alongside the cab and they get wrecked, rusted and stolen. Never regret putting on the chains even though it seems you might not have needed them. Good thing the semi driver decided not to fight the ice and wait for help.

[@paulwatts2192]

Hats off to you. I will get wet and cold. But I will get the job done.Take care out there.

[@Slikx666]

I miss the ice road truckers, this is a good replacement. 😃👍

[@bobz5474]

I too must chime in and state that the open ends of the cross chain hooks should always face away from the tire sidewall, I have been "Throwing Iron" for 45 years and that was drilled into me, along with "Its always easier to chain up than deal with the results of failing to do so!" I also have chains with welded cross bar studs on the cross links, and they are designed to face outward when the hooks are away from the tire. New chains are not likely to damage the tire but an old set that has been repaired, frequently has hooks that are sharp and that do not lay flat, which can certainly damage the tire sidewall. That is why it is a good habit to always mount them facing out. It must really be nice to have a truck that will jack itself up when you need to mount the chains, all told you made that process look about as easy as anyone I have ever seen mounting chains on duals! (and you still were grunting!) I Really enjoy watching your channel and learning from your "why I am doing it this way" dialog. THANK YOU RON!

[@JohnHallgren]

Read his pinned post saying he admits to putting them on wrong.

[@SchererProductionServices]

I like the new intro!!! Never saw all 3 rear axles on the ground!!!

[@74willy81]

Always a great video Ron, love this channel and the professionalism and respect you always display, thank you sir! As a lifelong trucker from British Columbia, Canada. that regularly puts on threes sets of triples a day and sometimes a set on the steering axle, I can appreciate the "orientation day" ordeal with your chaining up. Rest assured it does get a whole lot easier with practice, believe it or not less than five minutes for two triples and a single for the front. Body jobs don't make it any easier but then you do have the luxury of hydraulics. Great video though outlining some of the dangers and obstacles you face each day. God bless you Ron, please keep these excellent videos coming!

[@marilynhutchings6666]

Ice is absolutely the worst to deal with in any situation but this recovery was very well done! Thank goodness for chains and cleats!

[@thewatchmen4920]

Mr P hope you and your family are blessed. Had to view VIDEOS. No westerns on the 📺 so I went to the next best thing. B SAFE on the road. Thank you for you and cops who risking their lives each day

[@WindowSeatTrucking]

I chained on Donner recently. I've never seen steers chained, only drives. Steers wouldn't need traction. And the dogs. Good job not being afraid to chain. Lots of drivers pull over and wait instead of chaining up.

[@flybyairplane3528]

Thomas, hello, yes my last pair were YAK TRAX, I sent 2 sizes to GERMANY, years before I had other types too as lots of my work was on ROOFS, IMAGINE a building centre,where they kept a shed on roof where they kept a SNOW BLOWER !, THORE BUILDINGS HAD 50 LOADING DOCKS , ,I AM GLAD I HAD RETIRED IN 2003 ! now 80 yo. Stay well 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@julien1martel2567]

Hi Ron ! Thank you for showing us your quotidian as a towing/recovrey company. Your video also help me to Learn english. I don't know if my sentence make sens but... i try. Take Care on the road, Always thank you and continue your awesome work

[@68dart]

Awesome , Thanks Ron & Ethan

[@davidwilliams6645]

Good morning to you and your team. Glad y'all are being safe out there

[@bennetts-revenge_2]

Hi Rob finally got to watch the whole video after a bunch of distractions. I was totally fascinated with how Tater just goes up like that and your putting the chains on. Sure made it easier. My husband used to drive OTR and he never used chains because when bad weather came he got of road. I sure enjoyed this video! Thank you and God Bless

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

I've been OTR for 29 years and used to run out west through the "chain law states". Any time I had to chain up, they only stayed on long enough to get me and the truck to a safe place to wait it out. I'm planning on a little over 2 more years and then my wife, a nurse practitioner for the last 25 years, and I will retire. I'll be 55 and she'll be 54 by then. We already have plans to have my tractor converted into a motorhome so that we can visit our kids and grandchildren scattered around the country while we're still able to enjoy ourselves.

[@royreynolds108]

@@MikeBrown-ii3pt Very good choice. I retired at 66 when my wife turned 65 in 2013. Never regretted it even though I lost her last July after 50 years.

[@norcalray7182]

Wow I'm impressed on how clean the rotator is underneath. I was expecting a bunch of rusty axles and suspension parts.

[@jfbeam]

They take good care of it. (and it doesn't appear to get that many miles. look at the cluster at the beginning of the video. 26k hours, 21k miles :-))

[@ItsKing32]

I mean its a 3/4 of a million dollar truck u expect them not to keep it nice?

[@legohead6]

When you have a truck that's worth about $750,000 you take care of it. Most likely they regularly wash the undercarriage.

[@corycollier]

If there's one thing you won't see, it's that ;) They take very good care of the equipment.

[@nancytunis7472]

Having a white truck, you are a knight in shining armor. Love watching you work!

[@bones12589]

I've been watching your videos for a little over a year now maybe more and the things I learn from your expertise and intelligence is amazing I feel like I could do a job myself if I got the chance. Thank you!!!

[@robt2151]

Chain technology has certainly advanced in the past 60 years. Compared with lying on a mud road in a tropical rainstorm and with not enough traction to be able to drive onto the chains, I'd say you had it pretty easy!

[@BossManC]

Canadian trucker tip, hook the inside chain first then the outside hooks will be easier to deal with so you won't have to struggle with the inside under the truck.

[@HarleyDavidsonVince]

I was the tire chain repairman for a municipal Public works. I always mounted tire chains with chain hook ends facing out not to cut up tures. And we made tensikners out of innertubs to save on money. Some of the big salt truck id put 8 tensioners on each wheel.

[@flybyairplane3528]

RON,,,,Hello, man that’s ICE, & YES I do know the ROTATOR never ever had chains on it, I never knew they made chains for DUAL WHEELS , BTWthe ONLY time I ever used chains was in 1961, on a VW BUS , for work, middle seat removed, trip was BRONX to NEW HAVEN CONN, 7” snow , with my godmother &her SISTER, going to family there, used. Blankets, as heat sucked in those vehicles. Glad you mission god done without incident , GOD BLESS YOU ALL, CHERIO. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ariedekker7350]

You put a lot of energy into those sons.

[@harveywaitchison2062]

Even though the dual chain sets were brand new, it looks like it wasn’t your first rodeo chaining up! Not an easy job but very effective. Well done. 🇨🇦

[@rickmeredith6499]

U didn't know what to do,?

[@arbiter1]

they were probably in the truck since they bought them just never had to use them til this video.

[@stevenhoffmann9373]

He said a few times in the video , he has chained several of the other vehicle's the have, just never had to do the "tator". So no it wasn't his first rodeo wuth chains.

[@JohnWilson-ql8ks]

Wow, never thought you could lift your entire truck up off the road, Good think you can.. Great video as always. God bless you and your entire crew and family..

[@annahughes3677]

This big truck my hero..

[@hughjones6300]

Good job rescuing that truck from the icy grip of ole man winter.

[@MrBensak]

Hi Ron. The "horseshoe" hooks must face out, otherwise you will destroy your tires. And on ice or snow covered roads the chains with spikes on are the only solutions. I have worked with trucks and heavy recovery for over 40 years here in Norway and the rest of Scandinavia. Stay safe and good bless you all.

[@jimginn7163]

Great to see chains on, and good job there Ron👌👍

[@raymondyoung3948]

Ron you are lucky you had the tire chains with you and God Bless you and your family and friends and be careful and safe and may the force be with you.

[@johnpence8529]

That driver did good at keeping it out of the ditch. Nice recovery Ron.

[@rcatyvr]

Oohh. Un-rusted, double chains and only chaining one axel, snow less than 6" deep, no slush, and your tires are off the Ground!! And a HELPER!!!! I'da thought I'd died and gone to heaven.

[@jasonkelly9962]

chained duals on an ambulance before. Pain! Outriggers to lift the truck would have made for a better night! at least we put them on in a heated garage! Ron is so patient in teaching someone how to do a job. It's in our "midwesterner"

[@rayshutsa6690]

It is good to see that you know how chain up. They are not light I like that you can lift the rotator of the ground which does make it easier. Very good job Ron. Driving otr I learnt how to chain up. May God bless you and your family also all your worker's and watch over all of you. 🇨🇦

[@kathleenonda1879]

Good Morning Ron and Eley you both took an impossible situation an made it possible